ARBA Artist Profiles

The following Artist are active members of ARBA and regularly perform in SA

If you don't see your band or act here and you are a ARBA member please email Bio (65 words or less) and a JPG (aprox. 70KB) to arbapromotion AT gmail.com

Kings & Associates combine the thump of blues with an eclectic mix from funk to folk. Fronted by the enigmatic Benny 'C' Cunningham, who's vocal tone and guitar playing is straight from the pages of classic blues and 60/70's funk, with the Associates song writing duo of Steve and Ange Portolesi, along with drumming sensation Kelvin Sugars...bring an intense musical dynamic. Their debut album 'Red Dress' available both online and CD, reached no.1 on the Australian ITUNES blues charts.2016 sees the band maintain their hectic touring schedule including bookings at The Mordi Festival, Geetroit, the Blenheim Festival, Echuca Winter Blues and Bendigo. The guys are also planning to start recording their follow up to Red Dress in August 2016 Find us on: Facebook or visit our: Website

The BluescastersFormed in 2006 from what had become Adelaide's longest running Blues Jam Session at the Blackwood RSL. The Bluescasters have repeatedly been nominated at the Derringers Music Blues awards in both band, individual and Album categories. The Band continue to feature in festivals and blues halls around town.

Bonfire BluesOld School Blues with Sass & Soul. This Swinging Trio to 5pc performs fabulous renditions of the Old School Blues sung by the charismatic Bonnie Lee Galea whilst accompanied by the incredible musicianship of Steve Wilson on guitar, Quinton Dunne on double bass & vocals & Gabriel Chammah on Tenor Sax. Bonnie delivers powerful lyrics & moving music of the brilliant Bessie Smith, raunchy Ruth Brown & unstoppable Big Mama Thornton. Other great songs from unforgettable singers such as Aretha, Billie, Etta & more, plus some of Bonnie’s own compositions. Quinton Dunne also joins in on vocals giving us hit duets from Ray Charles & Betty Carter, BB King & Katie Webster and other great male classics from the likes of Lou Rawls. Bonnie delivers these songs with the personality, tone & soul they deserve with her inimitable vocal sound. Recently performed at GAOL BLUES Festival 2017. Available for touring, festival, events & general bookings.

The Harmonics are an Adelaide based five piece funky swinging rhythm and blues band dedicated to celebrating American blues artists and their music. Formed in 2008 The Harmonics have performed across Adelaide's live music clubs and venues and established themselves as a quality corporate band. The band was nominated in 2010 and 2012 for 'Best Blues Band' in Derringers Music Adelaide Blues Awards.

Muddy Road take the spirited, upbeat numbers from the blues legends of Chicago and the Mississippi Delta, energise them with the full rich sounds of harmonica, electric guitar, and Hammond organ, and then add some sweet blues vocals to deliver real blues that really rocks.

Steve Brown Band Showcasing an award-winning line-up of David Rhodes (guitars), Denis ‘The Preacher’ Surmon (bass), Jeff Algra (drums) and Peter ‘Doc’ Martin (keys and harmonica) and the man himself, Steve Brown (vocals and Guitar), the band has been a steady performer at blues events and festivals for some years and never fails to win the hearts and feet of any music-loving crowd.

The Dukes of Jumpare a 4 piece ensemble with the big band sound, based on the styles of legendary Louis Jordan and the ‘Little Big Band’ sound. Jump, Jive, Swing, Boogie Woogie and Blues! From the 40’s to the naughties.​The upright electric double bass combines well with brushes, saxophone and harmonica. These join to form a unique melodic horn section. You’ll be stampin’ and dancin’, fit for romancin’. You’ll be out on your feet to that Dukes of Jump beat!

Lara & The Organics are a new band featuring some veterans of the Adelaide music scene. They play a mixture of blues, soul, funk and jazz in a dynamic, improvisational style which brings a new energy to the genres. Featuring Lara Mutu, Jesse Deane-Freeman, Mario Marino and Sav Palaktsoglou.

Lazy EyeSoul drenched blues. Think B.B. King sharing a scotch with Booker T at the crossroads after midnight.Enamouring crowds across the country since 2013, their debut album Move Me was awarded “Album Of The Year” at the South Australian Blues & Roots Awards. On the back of being awarded “Most Outstanding Group” at the same awards a year later, and “Blues Artist of the Year” at the Fowlers Live Music Awards, Lazy Eye has been named “Group Of The Year” at the 2015 National Blues Awards. Named the “Chain” awards after the legendary band, it is the highest accolade awarded to blues musicians in Australia.Performing at festivals across the country, the Hammond organ trio features singer songwriter Evan Whetter on organ and harmonica, Erica Graf on guitar and Mario Marino on drums. With the new album “Single Malt Blues" launched April 18, the Adelaide based band have many more miles planned for their well travelled van.

The StreamlinersCurrent lineup of guitar: Nick Kipridis, Guitar: Billy "Bob" Rankine bass: Dennis Kipridis, drums: Steven Peterka, Keyboards: Deryck Charles A high watermark in the group's career was the recording of its debut, full-length CD in 1996. "Waiting on you" independently went on to win new fans, both nationally and overseas as word spread about this bunch of unknowns with that sound. A third independent release in 1999, further sealed the group's reputation as a fresh, vibrant new musical force in the blues/roots field. "Two minutes to curtains" was a seven-track live EP; an accurate snapshot of a band constantly evolving. By the time their 3rd long-player "Under the Moondogs" recorded in 2005, years of gigging, personal circumstances and other influences were starkingly obvious, "Signs" released August 2009. It's the first album to feature the new five-piece line up. Latest recording "House of fire" released November 2014.

Thirty Two Twenty​are a three piece blues band with a healthy respect for the past and an eye on the future, paying tribute to the greats including Albert King, Albert Collins, and BB King, mixed with their own original blues material. Formed in 2013, the band has performed at renowned Adelaide blues venues such as the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, the Gaslight Tavern and the SWC.

Since November 2015, the boys have taken a break from performing to write, rehearse, and record their debut which is due for release in late 2016.

Port Adelaide based blues band The Valcoshave an old school approach to playing.Influenced by 1950’s Chicago & Texas blues, we keep the volume down and dig deep for our tone.Old tube amps, vintage mics and drum kit... we love it retro!

The Valcos play original tunes along with some lesser known material by JimmyRogers, John Brim, Little Walter, Lightning Slim, Pee Wee Crayton etc.

Zkye Blueis a deep rockin' soul blues outfit made up of some of the stalwarts of the South Australian R&B scene. Featuring (2x SA Blues Awards Female Vocalist of the year) Zkye's powerhouse vocal stylings, and the commanding guitar flair of local maestro Nick Panousakis, backed by long time rhythm section allies Paul White (Hammond Organ, Piano), Andrew Bignell (drums) and Damien Steele Scott (bass). released their debut recording "Live At Mixmasters Vol. 1" in 2015 and took out the 2014-2015 ARBA Blues Album of the Year.

Exeter BluesDave O'Leary sings it like it is, laconic and straight to the point with an honesty that gets under your skin. Dave plays both as a solo artist or a duo with drummer, Beej Barker. Beej combines driving rhythms and grooves to make the sound that is Exeter Blues; it's raw and raucous, blurring the lines between early Mississippi delta slide guitar, modern punk funk and Cajun country sounds. These are story songs to move you, built from a life spent on the road.

Malt Whiskey is Jason Grant and Tim Sheehan, a guitar and harmonica blues duo, formed in 2014.“We love Ol’skool blues, Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, a few more modern artists as well as some of our own originals.”Covering artists including Muddy Waters, Lightning Hopkins, Big Bill Broonzy, Little Walter, Jessie May Hemphill, Belton Sutherland, Buddy Guy, Robert Johnson and Mississippi Fred Macdowell. If you have not heard of these artists then this blues duo may not be for you! If you do know them then settle in and get ready for what you have been looking for… Blues!

In the words of Mississippi Fred Macdowell “we do not play rock ‘n’ Roll!”

Jesse Deane-Freemandraws on the Delta blues style of artists like Son House, Charley Patton and Robert Johnson but he doesn't attempt to impersonate them. He has developed his own unique style and voice over nearly thirty years of singing and playing guitar.

During a several years residency at Johnno's Blues Bar in Cairns, Jesse's band supported Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Johnnie Johnson, Teddy Morgan, Magic Slim & The Teardrops, Lisa Hunt, Russell Morris, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Kirk Fletcher to name a few.

Since 1996 he has released four albums with his bands and in 2010 his first solo, acoustic album. He is currently recording a new solo album for release in June 2016.

AnAcoustic Scandal consists of Gini Hobson, vocalist and Dave Rhodes, guitar. Together they explore some gospel blues songs. With originals and songs borrowed from friends in Austin TX we hope to evoke blues from the heart.

Ciaram Granger has travelled and performed in Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and Australia. Playing upwards of a 1000 shows Ciaram has been able to develop his own unique style of Blues and Folk. With songs and stories about freedom, love and all that goes with life on the road, plus as many instruments as a airline will allow one person to carry including guitar, weissenborn guitar, harmonica and a stomp-box, you will want to make sure you get along to see a show near you soon.

JJ Fields (Sav Palakstoglou) has been active in the Australian blues scene since 1989 in award winning bands such as The Streamliners, Blind Dog Taylor and the Heat and has also won SA Blues Guitar Player of the year in 2008.He has appeared on the same bill with artists like Junior Wells, Canned Heat, Eric Burdon, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and has shared stage with Big Jay McNeely , Carie Bell and many more.As a solo artist he reproduces authentic blues styles with an original touch and a refreshing approach.His solo work has appeared on 'Boogie with Canned Heat' documentary and can be heard on his 2012 release 'Blue no more'.Whenever JJ Fields plays you will hear authentic Blues and Roots styles with an original feel and refreshing approach.

Mick Kidd and Dave Blight have teamed up on a regular basis & appeared at the last 4 Semaphore Music Festivals here in South Australia. Mick has recently released his third solo C.D. entitled “Winter Sun” featuring Dave on 9 of 10 tracks. “Winter Sun”debuted at # 16 on the Australian Blues/Roots Airplay Charts and has reached the Top 10. Mick Kidd has been around the Adelaide music scene for over 20 years, doing his own distinctive style of “Slidin’, Stompin’ Acoustic Blues” consistently doing well in SCALA’s FOOM (Festival or Original Music) competition. Harmonica maestro David Blight needs no introduction - His work with Cold Chisel is legendary as well as fronting his own band , local favourites - “The Flyers”. Mick & Dave have capped off a successful year- Winners in 2 categories at the “2014 Derringers Music Adelaide Blues Awards”- “Outstanding Solo/Duo” & Mick with “Outstanding Male Performer”.

Mick Kidd has been around the Adelaide music scene for a long time, he’s currently doing a round of solo original and Roots & Blues interpretations around town, often with his good mate Dave Blight. Apart from just being a hard worker, he’s got some serious cred, being the lead guitarist for “The ASO plays Pink Floyd” in 2008 and consistently doing well in SCALA’s FOOM (Festival or Original Music) competition, year after year.Find us on Facebook or visit our Website

Lily and the Drum﻿Vocalist and guitarist Lily unites with John (Drum) on percussion and harmonica to provide something a little different. They compose their sound in a “contemporary retro” fashion reflecting back to the simplicity of the roots music. “A Folky, Bluesy, Soulful Rock experience.”Find us on:Facebookor visit our:Website

Holler & The Bones are Paul Macleod (vocals, keys, guitar), Andy Czora (guitars, vocals), Eddie Pollard (drums),Alan Curtis (bass), Nick Vladcoff (trombone)​Inspired by field hollers and many a bluesman and woman gone by …Holler & The Bones are gonna break your heart then swoop you up on the dance floor. This is all original music with a strong blues backbone. Singer Paul Macleod and guitarist Andy Czora are well known in the mid north and around South Australia. Originally from Clare, this soulful rockin’ duo appeared at the inaugural Barossa Blues Festival with a mix of spirituals and stompin’ blues. Joined by old friend Edward Pollard on drums they are 3/5ths of the band known as Ashmen and together have supported Ian Moss, Ross Wilson and Mark Seymour.Alan Curtis is a bassman from way back playing for some time with Aussie band No Exit. In the 1990s Alan performed at the Rum Boogie Café in Memphis Tennessee. Nick Vladcoff brings the big dirty soul of a wild trombone. Currently with the Adelaide Big Band, Nick is a mesmerising presence on stage. Nick and Alan together with Ashmen become Holler & The Bones.

​Black Diamond Roots Band Evoking touches of the growling Tom Waits, the swagger of The Cruel Sea, the guitar interplay of the Stones, the storytelling of Dylan...These musicians all have produced a product permeated with the ghostsand styling of the past ; powered by a fiercely original thread, and presented with pure intent. This Band spits forth that which is born of the earth, forged in fire and sweat, and shouted from the corners of rooms where bourgeois urbanites and DJs dare not tread...this is dirt music, from the cracks in iron and steel.

The Fleurieu Bluesbreakerswere formed when Brian Cain returned to Adelaide a year and a half ago. The band features Peter Nixon on bass and vocals, Jim Judd on drums, guitar and vocals of Ross Brennan and vocals and blues harp of Brian Cain. The band is virtually unknown and has only just completed rehearsing a wide ranged repertoire large enough to perform in its own right. Three of the members reside in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia hence the name, The Fleurieu Bluesbreakers.

Roddy Gordon BandRoddy ,vocal, guitar and songwriter, is a veteran performer havingplayed gigs from the sixties folk blues and rock scene in London, to extensive club and function work in NSW.

Playing their original material with a Scots/Australian flavour plus their own unique interpretation of songs that have influenced them, the Roddy Gordon Band offers a diverse range of celtic, folk, rock, soul and blues.